Ex-Virginia governor's onetime top aide testifies

Published: Monday, Aug. 11, 2014 11:17 a.m. CDT

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(AP Photo/Richmond Times-Dispatch, Bob Brown)

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, center, is surrounded by media as he walks to the federal courthouse in Richmond, Va. on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, as his corruption trial enters its third week. McDonnell and his wife are charged in a 14-count indictment with accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from the former CEO of a nutritional supplements company in exchange for promoting his products. They could face decades in prison if convicted.

RICHMOND, Va. — The onetime chief of staff to former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell says he had no idea at the time that his boss had received thousands of dollars in gifts and loans from a wealthy businessman.

Martin Kent testified Monday in the public corruption trial of McDonnell and his wife, Maureen. They are charged with accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from the former CEO of a nutritional supplements company in exchange for promoting his products.

In August 2011, a luncheon was held at the governor's mansion for Star Scientific Inc. CEO Jonnie Williams to launch his signature product, Anatabloc. McDonnell spoke at the event.

Kent said McDonnell was busy that week dealing with natural disasters and could have removed the event from his schedule but he didn't.